Medical image diagnosis apparatus

ABSTRACT

In a medical image diagnosis apparatus which forms a scanogram image of a subject and forms tomographic images under imaging conditions set by using the scanogram image, an imaging condition setting frame  33  independent of the scanogram image  31  is provided on a monitor  14 . Desired imaging for which imaging conditions are to be set is designated by inputting a numeric value presenting an ordinal number for imaging in a numeric value input box  40  in the imaging condition setting frame  33 . A pointer is set to a frame  41 , a mark  42  or a dotted line  43  and dragged, thus enabling imaging conditions indicating the number of instances of imaging and image reconstruction and image reconstruction positions for the designated imaging. Settings in the imaging condition setting frame  33  are reflected in a frame  32 A and lines  32 B on the scanogram image  31  indicating the number of instances of imaging and image reconstruction and image reconstruction positions. In this way, the frame, lines and so on displayed on the scanogram image and indicating the imaging conditions for the desired imaging can be operated speedily and correctly.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a medical image diagnosis apparatusand, more particularly, to a medical image diagnosis apparatus capableof setting imaging conditions such as an imaging position and range, acertain number of instances of image reconstruction, imagereconstruction positions and a scanner angle when tomographic images areformed by using an image of the whole of a subject and a scanogram imageof the subject in a case where medical images are formed by using amedical image diagnosis apparatus such as an X-ray CT apparatus or anMRI apparatus.

BACKGROUND ART

In a conventional technique, when an image of a desired portion of asubject is obtained by using a medical image diagnosis apparatus such asan X-ray CT apparatus or a magnetic resonance apparatus, an image of thewhole of a subject or a fluoroscopic image (scanogram) of the subject isfirst formed along the body axis of the subject and a scanogram image 20is displayed on a monitor, as shown in FIG. 5.

In ordinary cases, an imaging condition setting frame for designating animaging protocol and imaging conditions is separately provided in awindow provided on a screen on which the scanogram image 20 is displayedor on a touch panel provided separately from the screen. Conditions forimaging are set in this frame. Ordinarily, depending on the position tobe imaged, a list of frequently-used protocols registered in advance isshown, for example, from Protocol Name 100 shown in FIG. 6, and arequired protocol in the list is selected. For example, when ProtocolName 100 in FIG. 6 is selected, a pull-down menu 101 shown in FIG. 7appears. If a mark 102 corresponding to “(Y number of) cervicalvertebrae” in the pull-down menu 101 is pointed, the correspondingprotocol is selected and indicated in Protocol Name 100 in FIG. 6.

Protocols are displayed as shown in FIG. 7 to enable selectiontherefrom. After a protocol has been selected in this way, details ofscan conditions may be changed. In such a case, a change is made bydesignating a selection button shown in FIG. 6. For example, the slicethickness can be changed to 5 mm by selecting “5 mm slice thickness”.After imaging conditions have been determined as described above, animaging preparation button 103 is pressed and a gantry thereby startsrotating. When steady rotation is attained, preparations for imaging arecompleted. If a start button is pressed after the completion ofpreparations for imaging, imaging is started by radiating X-raysaccording to the above-described imaging conditions.

When the above-described imaging conditions are input, a frame 21Aindicating a scan area and a plurality of lines 21B indicating sliceintervals are displayed according to the selected conditions, as shownin FIG. 5. Such imaging condition designation methods are disclosed inJapanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 9-313476 and 8-103440.

In such a conventional medical image diagnosis apparatus, imagingconditions such as an imaging position and area, a certain number ofinstances of image reconstruction and image reconstruction positions canbe changed by using the frame 21A and lines 21B. In a case where acertain number of instances of imaging and image reconstruction (scanarea) is set such that the whole of an internal organ is covered, anexternal operating device such as a mouse is used for setting. Morespecifically, a pointer is set to the frame 21A and dragged to increaseor reduce the size of the frame 21A, thereby changing the number ofinstances of imaging and image reconstruction. After imaging conditionshave been set in the above-described manner, imaging of tomographicimages is performed according to the set imaging conditions.

However, the frame and lines displayed on the scanogram image toindicate imaging conditions correspond to the actual scan area, imagingand image reconstruction positions and angle, and so on, and there is aproblem described below. In a case where a plurality of imagingconditions (e.g., the condition for imaging of (Y number of) cervicalvertebrae in the figure) is designated according to a protocol selectionsuch as shown in FIG. 7 or in a case where imaging of one portion isperformed a certain number of times (for example, in a case whereimaging is performed before and after injection of a contrast medium),the frames and lines corresponding to imaging performed the certainnumber of times are displayed in a superposed state. When one of theframes, lines and so on corresponding to one of the imaging conditionswhich the operator wishes to change is directly operated with the mouseto change the imaging condition, there is a possibility of some of theother imaging lines, frames and so on existing at a nearby positionbeing inadvertently operated.

There is another problem that a substantially long time is thereforerequired for setting of imaging conditions and the operation efficiencyis reduced.

The present invention is provided in consideration of thesecircumstances and an object of the present invention is to provide amedical image diagnosis apparatus capable of speedily and correctlyoperating a frame, line or the like representing a desired imagingcondition.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

To achieve the above-described object, the present invention provides amedical image diagnosis apparatus which forms an image of the whole of asubject portion and forms a plurality of tomographic images underimaging conditions set with respect to the whole image, the medicalimage diagnosis apparatus comprising first display device of displayingthe whole image, second display device of displaying an imagingcondition setting frame for setting imaging conditions for imaging of aplurality of tomographic images with respect to each of a first imagingsequence, a second imaging sequence, . . . , imaging sequencedesignation device of designating a desired order of imaging for whichthe imaging conditions are set, operating device of setting imagingconditions at the time of imaging in the order designated by thesequence designation device on the imaging condition setting frame, anddisplay control device of displaying information indicating thepositions of imaging of the plurality of tomographic images on the wholeimage displayed on the first display device on the basis of the displayconditions set by the operating device.

That is, in the case of an X-ray CT apparatus for example, the imagingcondition setting frame for setting imaging conditions is displayed in aseparate window on the display device on which a scanogram image isdisplayed or on another display device such as a touch panel. Theimaging condition is, for example, a certain number of instances ofimaging and image reconstruction, positions of imaging and imagereconstruction. In this independent imaging condition setting frame, adesired one of instances of imaging can be designated by an operationthrough an external operating device, and imaging conditions for thedesignated imaging can be individually set by operations through theexternal operating device. For example, in a case where a plurality ofimaging sequences are performed, when a change is made in the imagingconditions for the first imaging sequence, the first imaging sequence isdesignated and the imaging conditions related to the first imagingsequence are set. The imaging condition setting in this case does notinfluence the imaging conditions for the imaging sequences other thanthe first imaging sequence. A plurality of imaging sequences can besimultaneously set. In this case, the same imaging conditions are setwith respect to the plurality of imaging sequences designated.

The imaging conditions set in this way are reflected in display of theframe, lines and the like which indicate the imaging conditions, beingdisplayed on the scanogram. Thus, not direct operations on the frame andlines displayed on the scanogram image with a mouse or the like butdesignation of the desired imaging on the imaging condition settingframe independent of the scanogram image is performed. Therefore, it ispossible to avoid occurrence of an erroneous operation on some offrames, lines or the like existing at the same position but not to beoperated. Moreover, it is possible to set desired imaging conditionsspeedily and correctly with respect to the designated imaging.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an embodiment of amedical image diagnosis apparatus in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart used for explanation of an imaging conditionsetting procedure in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram used for explanation of the present invention,showing an example of a screenful of image on a monitor in which anobtained scanogram image, etc., are displayed;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged diagram corresponding to the imaging conditionsetting frame shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a diagram used for explanation of a conventional method ofsetting imaging conditions by using a scanogram image;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a conventional imaging condition settingframe; and

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a pull-down menu which appears when aselection is made from protocols in the conventional imaging conditionsetting frame.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

A preferred embodiment of a medical image diagnosis apparatus inaccordance with the present invention will be described in detail withreference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an embodiment of amedical image diagnosis apparatus in accordance with the presentinvention.

The medical image diagnosis apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is, for example,an X-ray CT apparatus constituted by a scanner 10 which forms ascanogram image or a tomographic image of a subject, an image processor11 having a central processing unit which performs overall control ofthe apparatus, an image reconstruction processing circuit which executesimage reconstruction calculation, and a magnetic disk or the like onwhich a program for realizing imaging condition setting in accordancewith the present invention, tomographic images, etc., are stored, akeyboard 12 provided as an external operating device, a pointing device13 (which will be described as a mouse by way of example, but which maybe any other pointing device such as a trackball, a trackpad, a keyboardor a touch panel) and a monitor 14.

In a gantry of the scanner 10, an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector areplaced in such a positional relationship as to face each other. X-raysgenerated from the X-ray tube pass through a subject lying on a bed tobe detected by the X-ray detector. The X-rays are converted into anelectrical signal by the X-ray detector and the signal is sent to theimage processor 11.

The image processor 11 reconstructs a tomographic image by a well-knownmethod from data input by measurement with the scanner. Thereconstructed tomographic image is displayed on the monitor 14 and isstored on the magnetic disk for redisplay for example.

An imaging condition setting procedure (software for realizing imagingcondition setting) in the present invention will now be described withreference to FIG. 2.

Before imaging for the above-mentioned tomographic image, a scanogramimage is formed for the purpose of setting imaging conditions includingthe number of instances of subject imaging and image reconstruction andpositions of imaging and image reconstruction, and the scanogram imageis displayed on the monitor 14 (step S40).

The scanogram image is an X-ray image first formed for correct imagingof an area covering a target organ by irradiating the subject withX-rays while moving only the bed on which the subject is laid, or onlythe gantry having the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector, withoutrotating the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a screenful of image on the monitor, in whichthe obtained scanogram image, etc., are displayed.

As shown in FIG. 3, a frame 32A indicating a scan area and lines 32Bindicating imaging and image reconstruction positions of tomographicimages are displayed on the monitor 14 together with the scanogram image31. An imaging condition setting frame 33, which is an operating imageframe for setting imaging conditions, is also displayed in a window onthe monitor 14 separately from the scanogram image or on a displaydevice separately provided, as described above with respect to theconventional art.

The operator of the X-ray CT apparatus designates desired imaging withimaging condition settings on the imaging condition setting frame 33(step S41). Imaging may be performed a certain number of times. Forexample, imaging may be performed before and after injection of acontrast medium or different organs may be imaged separately from eachother. The desired imaging in such a case (first imaging, secondimaging, and so on) is designated in a box 40.

Subsequently, imaging conditions such as an imaging position, an imagingarea, a certain number of instances of image reconstruction and imagereconstruction positions are set on the imaging condition setting frame33 by using the external operating device, e.g., the mouse 13 or thekeyboard 12 (step S42). If certain imaging condition has been set byselection of a protocol as described above with respect to theconventional art, and if this imaging condition is changed, a suitableoperation is performed in step S42. This operation will be describedbelow in detail.

Imaging conditions set on the imaging condition setting frame 33 arereflected via the CPU in the frame 32A, lines 32B and so on displayed onthe scanogram image 31 (step S43). In a case where imaging conditionsare displayed in separate display device, they are reflected bycommunication between CPUs respectively provided for the display device.

Processing from step S41 to step S43 is repeated until the imagingconditions for instances of imaging are determined by the operator ofthe X-ray CT apparatus (step S44). When imaging conditions for instancesof imaging are determined, the image processor 11 performs imaging andimage reconstruction of tomographic images (step S45).

Thus, imaging conditions set by using the independent imaging conditionsetting frame 33 are immediately reflected in the rectangular frame 32Adisplayed on the scanogram image 31, the lines 32B dividing the frameand so on. Therefore, desired imaging conditions can be easily set whilechecking the frame 32A, the lines 32B and so on.

The arrangement may be such that the above-described imaging conditionscan be set by directly pointing the rectangular frame 32A and the lines32B on the scanogram image 31.

Concrete examples of setting of the above-described imaging conditionswill be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is an enlargeddiagram corresponding to the imaging condition setting frame 33 shown inFIG. 3.

<Example 1 of setting: an example of designation of a desired imagingsequence for which imaging conditions are set>

A desired imaging sequence for which imaging conditions should be set isdesignated by using the external operating device, e.g., the mouse orthe keyboard.

For example, in a case where the numeric value input body 40 is providedin the imaging condition setting frame 33 to enable designation of adesired imaging sequence, a numeric value corresponding to the ordinalnumber for a desired imaging sequence is input to the numeric valueinput box 40 to designate the desired imaging sequence. In the exampleshown in FIG. 4, numeric values “1” and “3” are input to the numericvalue input box 40 to designate the first imaging sequence and the thirdimaging sequence.

<Example 2 of setting: an example of changing image reconstructionpositions and the number of instances of image reconstruction>

Image reconstruction conditions are changed by using the externaloperating device, e.g., the mouse or the keyboard.

For example, in a case where the number of instances of imagereconstruction is changed by using the mouse or image reconstructioncross-sections are changed by using the mouse, the pointer (not shown)is set to the upper side or the lower side of a rectangular imagingcondition setting frame 41 shown in the imaging condition setting frame33, and the selected side is moved upward or downward by being dragged.By this operation, the vertical size of the rectangular frame 32A on thescanogram image 31 indicating imaging conditions set with respect to theimaging designated in Example 1 of setting is changed. According to thesize changed by the operation, the number of lines 32B parallel to onepair of sides of the rectangular frame 32A and dividing the rectangularframe 32A is changed. Thus, the number of instances of imaging and imagereconstruction are set. The rectangular frame 32A and the lines 32Bparallel to one pair of sides of the rectangular frame 32A and dividingthe rectangular frame 32A can be separately enlarged, reduced, added,deleted or moved. In Example 1 of setting, the number instances ofimaging and image reconstruction in the first imaging sequence and thethird imaging sequence are simultaneously set since the first imagingsequence and the third imaging sequence are set.

<Example 3 of setting: an example of changing the imaging area and theeffective field of view (F.O.V.) for image reconstruction>

The imaging area and the effective field of view (F.O.V.) for imagereconstruction are changed by using the external operating device, e.g.,the mouse or the keyboard.

For example, in a case where the effective field of view (F.O.V.) ischanged by using the mouse, the pointer is set to the right side or theleft side of the rectangular imaging condition setting frame 41displayed in the imaging condition setting frame 33, and the selectedside is moved to the left or right by being dragged. By this operation,the horizontal size of the rectangular frame 32A on the scanogram image31 indicating imaging conditions set with respect to the imagingdesignated in Example 1 of setting is changed to increase or reduce theeffective field of view (F.O.V.), thus setting the effective field ofview (F.O.V.).

<Example 4 of setting: an example of changing the imaging position andthe image reconstruction positions>

The imaging position and the image reconstruction positions are changedby using the external operating device, e.g., the mouse or the keyboard.

For example, in a case where the imaging position and the imagereconstruction positions are changed by using the mouse, the pointer isset to a mark 42 displayed in the imaging condition setting frame 33,and the mark 42 is moved upward or downward or to the left or right bybeing dragged. By this operation, the positions of the rectangular frame32A and the division lines 32B on the scanogram image 31 indicatingimaging conditions set with respect to the imaging designated in Example1 of setting are changed as a whole. Thus, the imaging position and theimage reconstruction positions are set.

<Example 5 of setting: an example of changing the imaging angle and theimage reconstruction angle>

The imaging angle and the image reconstruction angle are changed byusing the external operating device, e.g., the mouse or the keyboard.

For example, in a case where the imaging angle and the imagereconstruction angle are changed by using the mouse, the pointer is setto one end of a dotted line 43 displayed in the imaging conditionsetting frame 33 and the end of the dotted line 43 is dragged upward ordownward to tilt the dotted light 43 rightward or leftward about themark 42. By this operation, the angle of the rectangular frame 32A andthe division lines 32B on the scanogram image 31 indicating imagingconditions set with respect to the imaging designated in Example 1 ofsetting is changed as a whole. Thus, the imaging angle and the imagereconstruction angle are set. In this way, the scanner angle (tiltangle) of the scanner 10 can be set. At this time, the externalconfiguration of the rectangular frame becomes a parallelepiped.

Needless to say, imaging designation described with respect to Example 1of setting is performed before settings corresponding to Examples 2 to 5of setting. The imaging condition setting frame 41 displayed in theimaging condition setting frame 33 shown in FIG. 4 is not limited tothat similar to the rectangular frame 32A and the division lines 32B onthe scanogram image 31 indicating imaging conditions. A move or a copyfrom the scanogram image 31 to the imaging condition setting frame 33,in the reverse direction or in mutual action may be made. Theconfiguration relationship in such a case may be identity, similarly oranalogy. That is, enabling a desired imaging condition to be set byobserving the frame 32A and the lines 32B on the scanogram image 31indicating imaging conditions and by using the other image frame(imaging condition setting frame 33) may suffice.

The imaging condition setting frame 33 is not limited to the case ofbeing displayed in a picture-in-picture manner on the monitor 14 onwhich the scanogram image 31 is displayed. The imaging condition settingframe 33 may be displayed on another monitor. Further, while the presentembodiment has been described as an X-ray CT apparatus by way ofexample, the present invention can be applied to setting of imagingconditions in other medical image diagnosis apparatus, e.g., an MRIapparatus.

Industrial Applicability

According to the present invention, as described above, an imagingcondition setting frame for setting imaging conditions such as animaging position and area, a certain number of instances of imagereconstruction, image reconstruction positions and a scan angle isprovided separately from a display unit for displaying the entire image;a desired one of imaging sequences can be designated by using theimaging condition setting frame; imaging conditions relating to thedesignated imaging sequence can be individually set; and details of thesetting are reflected in a rectangular frame and lines displayed on thescanogram image and indicating imaging conditions. Therefore, occurrenceof an erroneous operation on some of frames, lines or the like existingat the same position but not to be operated can be avoided and desiredimaging conditions can be set speedily and correctly with respect to thedesignated imaging.

1. A medical image diagnosis apparatus which images a subject by formingan image of the whole of a portion of a subject, sets imaging conditionsby displaying the imaging conditions on the whole image, and images thesubject portion by forming a tomographic image of the subject portionunder the imaging conditions, the medical image diagnosis apparatuscomprising: a first display device capable of displaying the whole imageand the imaging conditions or variably inputting the imaging conditionsby displaying the whole image and the imaging conditions; a seconddisplay device of extracting some of the imaging conditions anddisplaying the extracted condition; a display control device for thefirst display device and the second display device; and an operatingdevice of variably inputting the imaging conditions displayed in adisplay image frame on the second display device.
 2. The medical imagediagnosis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging conditionsdisplayed on the first and second display device are imaging conditionsdisplayed by graphic display and including at least one of an imagingposition, an imaging area, a certain number of instances of imagereconstruction, an image reconstruction position and a scanner angle. 3.The medical image diagnosis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein theimaging conditions displayed on the second display device furtherinclude imaging sequence ordinal numbers for setting the imagingconditions with respect to each of a plurality of imaging sequences. 4.The medical image diagnosis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein adisplay frame on the first display device and the display frame on thesecond display device share one monitoring screen.
 5. The medical imagediagnosis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein display devices forthe first display device and the second display device are providedseparately from each other.
 6. The medical image diagnosis apparatusaccording to claim 3, wherein at least one of the imaging conditions forimaging varies among the imaging sequences.
 7. The medical imagediagnosis apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the desired order ofexecution of the plurality of imaging sequences is designated byinputting numeric values.
 8. The medical image diagnosis apparatusaccording to claim 2, wherein the imaging position and the imaging areain the imaging conditions are indicated by a rectangular frame and amark in the rectangular frame in the first display device and the seconddisplay device, and are set in at least one of the first display deviceand the second display device.
 9. The medical image diagnosis apparatusaccording to claim 8, wherein the number of instances of imagereconstruction and the image reconstruction positions in the imagingconditions are indicated by lines provided in the rectangular frame anddividing the rectangular frame by extending parallel to sides of therectangular frame, and are set in at least one of the first displaydevice and the second display device.
 10. The medical image diagnosisapparatus according to claim 8, wherein the operating device can extendor contract the rectangular frame in any direction, and move the mark toany position together with the rectangular frame.
 11. The medical imagediagnosis apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the operating devicecan generate the division lines in the rectangular frame at any positionand move the division lines to any position.
 12. The medical imagediagnosis apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the scanner angle inthe imaging conditions is displayed in a parallelepiped configurationformed by tilting parallel at least one of two pairs of sideconstituting the rectangular frame in the first display device and inthe second display device, and is set as the tilt angle of theparallelepiped configuration at least one of the first display deviceand the second display device.
 13. The medical image diagnosis apparatusaccording to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein that the rectangularframe, the division lines and the mark can be moved or copied from thefirst display device to the second display device or between the firstdisplay device and the second display device in an identical, similar oranalogous form.
 14. The medical image diagnosis apparatus according toany one of claims 4 to 12, wherein the operating device comprises apointer.
 15. The medical image diagnosis apparatus according to any oneof claims 1 to 3, wherein the second display device comprises a touchpanel.